When social services become involved with families it can be frightening and overwhelming. Many parents worry that ‘social services want to take my children away’ but the reality is the law requires local authorities to assist and support parents first and only enter court proceedings if it is considered absolutely necessary.
The different stages of social services involvement includes;
- Child in Need
Sometimes families need extra help. The Child in Need process is a voluntary process where professionals become involved to see how they can assist the family. This can be done with meetings that consider assistance with housing, school attendance or disability services if required.
- Child Protection Conference
- A Child Protection Conference may be held if it is deemed that children are at risk of significant harm. Professionals involved with the family such as school, health visitors and probation can be invited to a conference. They usually take place every 3 – 6 months and identify what changes need to be made to keep families safe. Pre-Proceedings (PLO)
At this stage parents are invited to attend a meeting and can have the assistance of a legal representative. Legal help is available at this stage, and you can speak with Johnson Astills Solicitors if you need support at this meeting. The local authority explain their concerns and what changes you need to make. This is usually a 12 week process prior to court proceedings, it is described as a ‘last chance’ before court.
- Care Proceedings
If the concerns continue, the local authority can ask the Family Court to make a decision. The court process usually lasts 26 weeks and a timetable will be set to receive evidence that will help the judge make a final decision on where the children should live. Parents will be entitled to legal aid at this stage and should always contact a solicitor as soon as possible.
Legal representation is available at the child protection stage, pre-proceedings stage and care proceedings stage. Legal Aid is often available.
This is a short summary of each process of involvement with social services. If you are involved in any part of this process then Johnson Astills solicitors can help, please get in touch with Johnson Astills to see how we can assist. Please call us at our office in Leicester on 0116 255 4855 or our office in Loughborough on 01509 610 312 and ask to speak to a member of the Care Team. Alternatively, you may prefer to email us at legal@johnsonastills.com or fill in our enquiry form.
